Fermi Energy in Quantum Physics

 

Latest context

Recently, due to its wide range of daily practical applications in various fields, Fermi energy has gained significant attention. It is based on the principles of quantum physics.

Quantum Physics

• Quantum physics deals with the properties of the smallest particles of matter and energy like atoms, electrons, photons, and quarks. It is the branch of physics. It explains the behaviour of these particles.
• It states that these particles behave in strange and surprising ways, like the combination of two particles places at different places into one (superimposition), entanglement with each other over long distances, or tunnelling through barriers. Additionally, it lays emphasis on how atoms and molecules act as the basis for all matter and how light and other electromagnetic waves are produced and interact with matter.
• It plays a very significant role in daily life in the form of computing, lasers, electronics, and optics. It plays an important role in enabling the technologies such as MRI for medical imaging in addition to improving renewable energy systems. Materials science and nanotechnology benefit from quantum principles while Quantum cryptography ensures secure communication.

Fermi Energy

• Concept: It is often defined as the highest occupied energy level of a material at absolute zero temperature. In other words, all electrons in a body occupy energy states at or below that body's Fermi energy at 0K. The fermi energy is the difference in energy, mostly kinetic. In metals, this means that it gives us the velocity of the electrons during conduction. So, during the conduction process, only electrons that have an energy that is close to that of the fermi energy can be involved in the process.
• It determines the velocity of those electrons in conduction whose energies close to the Fermi energy, can participate in the conduction process. There are many metals like aluminum, copper, and silver, that show high Fermi energies, even at extremely low temperatures. The concept of Fermi energy is responsible for various properties of metals comprising their reflectivity, electrical conductivity, and thermal conductivity.
• It is measured by the Fermi level. For comprehending the fundamental behaviours and applications of metals in our daily lives, the understanding of Fermi energy is very essential.
• Importance for Quantum Physics:

• It explains the wave nature and discrete energy levels of electrons in matter.
• It plays a very crucial role in determining various physical properties of materials, comprising electrical and thermal conductivity, heat capacity, magnetism, and superconductivity
• Through Quantum Physics, various natural phenomena and technological applications such as stars, nuclear reactions, lasers, transistors, and solar cells can be explained.

 

 

 

Prelims

Q. With reference to Visible Light Communication (VLC) technology, which of the following statements are correct? (2020)

1. VLC uses electromagnetic spectrum wavelengths 375 to 780 nm.

2. VLC is known as long-range optical wireless communication.

3. VLC can transmit large amounts of data faster than Bluetooth.

4. VLC has no electromagnetic interference.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1, 2 and 3 only

(b) 1, 2 and 4 only

(c) 1, 3 and 4 only

(d) 2, 3 and 4 only

Ans: (c)

 

Q. Which one of the following is the context in which the term "qubit" is mentioned? (2022)

(a) Cloud Services

(b) Quantum Computing

(c) Visible Light Communication Technologies

(d) Wireless Communication Technologies

Ans: (b)